Is there a digital nomad visa for Austria designed especially for freelancers? As remote work becomes more common, digital nomads are looking for places that provide a good mix of connectivity, lifestyle, and visa alternatives.
Digital nomads find Austria, with its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural legacy, and high standard of living, to be an appealing choice.
Is There a Digital Nomad Visa for Austria?
- Austria as a Digital Nomad Destination
Excellent infrastructure, dependable internet access, and an active arts scene make Austria a great destination for remote workers looking to balance work and pleasure.
Visa – BMEIA – Außenministerium Österreich – CLICK HERE
Current Options for Digital Nomad Visa for Austria
Since there is not a particular visa for digital nomads offered by Austria at the moment, remote workers can still explore other options.
1. Schengen Visa for Short Stays
- Digital nomads can spend up to 90 days in Austria over a 180-day term with a Schengen Visa.
- Digital nomads who want to visit Austria for a few months without committing to a long-term stay can apply for this short-term visa.
2. Red-White-Red Card
- A long-term residency permit known as the Red-White-Red Card is granted to skilled workers, notably those in particular shortage occupations.
- People with specialized abilities that are in demand in Austria or those who have received a job offer from an Austrian company are better candidates for this visa.
3. Freelance Visa (Artist Visa)
- Digital nomads working in creative fields may find Austria’s Artist Visa, often known as the freelance visa, to be advantageous.
- As long as they can prove they can make ends meet through their freelancing, this visa enables independent contractors to live and work in Austria.
Read: How much does it cost to live in a nomad lifestyle?
Requirements for Each Visa Option
1. Schengen Visa Requirements
- Digital nomads must submit an application for a Schengen Visa along with evidence of sufficient funds, health insurance, and a return ticket.
- They must also give information on their accommodations and prove why they are there.
2. Red-White-Red Card Requirements
- Applicants for the Red-White-Red Card need to fulfill some requirements, such as having a job offer in Austria and being qualified.
- Depending on the category they are applying under, they must provide documentation of their professional training, job history, and proficiency in German.
3. Freelance Visa Requirements
- A valid contract, evidence of freelance activity, and enough money to support oneself are requirements to get a freelancing visa.
- Candidates must provide documentation of their freelancing work, such as client contracts, a portfolio, and income statements.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa for Austria?
Every visa application process is different, but in general, you have to submit paperwork, show up for an interview, and wait for your application to be approved.
1. Applying for the Schengen Visa
- Digital nomads must apply for a Schengen visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
- All required paperwork, including proof of money, travel insurance, and lodging information, should be included with the application.
2. Applying for the Red-White-Red Card
- You can apply for a Red-White-Red Card directly from Austria or via an Austrian embassy overseas.
- Candidates must submit documentation of their training, employment offer, and language proficiency. A background check and interview may also be part of the procedure.
3. Applying for the Freelance Visa
- Applicants for the freelancing visa must appear in person at the Austrian local residency authority with their case.
- They have to present documentation of their independent contractor work, stable finances, and health insurance.
- Additional documentation and an interview may be required as part of the application process.
Bottom Line
Since there is not a specific digital nomad visa for Austria, remote workers can nonetheless visit the nation with a variety of other visa alternatives.
